Birthday gift for friend whose partner has cancer

[Justagirll]

This may be a bit of a niche question but I'm a bit stuck and thought people here might have some ideas.

It's my close friend's birthday soon and I'd like to get her a small gift. We don't normally spend loads on each other but would still like to treat her to something that will make her smile. Her partner was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year and although he's doing OK at the moment it's obviously been a very tough year for both of them. In some ways she's found it harder to cope with than he has, as she has struggled more with her mental health in the past - although I think she's been feeling a little more positive in the last few weeks.

What would be a nice birthday gift I could get her that wouldn't trivialise their situation too much but would still give her a nice treat and help take her mind off things? Preferably something I could easily carry on the train when I meet up with her.

Looking for general ideas at first (examples of gifts people have got you if you're in a similar situation would be much appreciated) and then I can hopefully narrow it down from there to suit her interests :)

How about a little pampering hamper?

Pack of face wipes/pads
Tub of moisturiser
Face masks (Wilko do them for about £1 each)
Maybe some foot socks - you could get 2 pairs of these, your friend and DH could chill together wearing their foot socks. (Boots do a great pack, no skin peeling, just lovely soft feet afterwards)
Few different sachets of various flavour hot chocolate

I don't have experience of what she's going through, but I received something similar for Christmas, and although fairly cheap to do, it has been one of my favourite presents.

It also might force your friend into taking some 'me time' she can sit and relax for 20 mins with her face mask, foot socks, and hot chocolate, I think sometimes it's the simple things that make a difference.

gift card for the hospital store?

Bit morbid @stripeypillowcase

OP what about a couples massage or afternoon tea. Something nice they can do together that's not too strenuous for him?

if you have a lovely photo of them both get it made up into a canvas. Our dil did that of DH;s son and us. The son had a life limiting illness - we put it up on the wall and it's been a comfort having it there.

Or something for the both of them to do - a voucher for something they can do.

It partly depends what stage he is at - if he can't leave the house then that won't work.

And a friend gave us a pot containing spring bulbs - something to look forward to seeing coming up in the spring. It's a nice thought.

Thank you everyone! A hamper would be too big to take on the train (and carry around all day) but I could put together a mini pamper pack with lightweight items in it - she does appreciate nice cosmetics and make-up. I also really like the canvas idea (got our parents some from Photobox for Christmas and they looked really good - and weren't bulky/heavy) and the spring bulbs are thoughtful too.

I am inclined to agree that the hospital shop voucher might have unintentionally negative connotations though, as I know they've both really resented all the time they've had to spend at the hospital and would probably rather not think about having to go back there.

I definitely have some good ideas now though

Joma bracelets are lovely too - have all different sentiments, strength, positivity etc. Something she can keep and remember you got her